These few blocks on a north-south street running between Houston and Washington Square Park are a peaceful, relatively quiet respite, especially compared to the usual frat boy bedlam that reigns a couple of blocks west, in the bars of the Village. This is in particular true now that the infamous Senor Swanky's has closed. What remains are a few low-key gems for those foodies willing to llok around. Bruno's is an Italian bakery and coffee shop that turns out incredibly flaky cookies and pastries; we return time and time again, however, for the remarkable assortment of cakes (it's become a hallowed birthday tradition where I work). Nearby, Marumi's is a quiet, understated place to catch excellent sushi for a great price; a step above your average local sushi joint, ask to sit in their cozy covered garden in the back.